Alerts In Effect

Contact Us

Comment sought on special regulation for bicycle use in Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park submitted a request to promulgate a special regulation to permit bike use on designated trails. It will be posted in the Federal Register on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, for a 60-day public comment period.

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to designate four bicycle routes within Mammoth Cave National Park. This proposed rule is necessary to implement portions of the park's Comprehensive Trail Management Plan and the requirements of the NPS general regulations require that a special regulation be promulgated in order to allow off-road bicycle use on routes outside of developed park areas. Authorizing routes for bicycling will address the significant interest of the visiting public for bicycling in the park. This proposed rule would allow bicycle use on a new Connector Trail in the vicinity of Maple Springs; the Big Hollow Trail, a new bike trail in the hilly country of the park north of the Green River; the nine-mile Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail; and the White Oak Trail. The Connector Trail and Big Hollow Trail will be constructed in 2011.

Bicycle use on park roadways has steadily increased in the last 20 years; however, park roads are not designed for combined vehicle and bike use. Allowing bicycles on park trails will: provide recreational opportunities for family-bicycling and mountain biking; improve visitor safety and road safety; provide access to backcountry features; connect the interior of the park to a gateway community; promote an alternative mode of transportation; and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation and promote healthy lifestyles.

You may submit comments, identified by the Regulation Identifier Number, (RIN) 1024-AD80 by any of the following methods: Federal rulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov - Follow the instructions for submitting comments online.

Written comments may also be mailed or hand delivered to Superintendent, Mammoth Cave National Park, P.O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky 42259.